Day 40: Pride and Restoration

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 26–35

Date: Saturday, 9th August 2025

The Story Behind the Story

In today’s reading, you’ll journey through the reigns of several kings—from Uzziah to Josiah. You’ll witness the tragic downfall of those who allowed pride to corrupt them, and the powerful revival under young King Josiah. These chapters are a vivid reminder that while sin brings judgment, humility and repentance can bring restoration and revival.

Reading Instructions

Read 2 Chronicles 26–35 carefully. Notice the contrast between kings who started well but ended poorly (like Uzziah and Manasseh) and those who sought the Lord wholeheartedly (like Hezekiah and Josiah). Pay attention to God’s mercy, even in judgment.

Guided Devotional

1. Who Is God?

• The God Who Resists the Proud – Uzziah’s downfall came when pride overtook his success. God’s hand lifted, and he was struck with leprosy.

• The God Who Redeems Even the Worst – Manasseh was one of Judah’s most wicked kings, yet when he humbled himself, God heard him and restored him. There’s no one too far for God’s grace.

• The God Who Delights in Revival – Under Josiah, the nation returned to the Book of the Law. God responded to their repentance with mercy. He is always ready to revive hearts that seek Him.

2. What Are the Ways of God?

• He Warns Before He Judges – Prophets were always sent before disaster. God’s justice is patient, always offering a chance to repent.

• He Honors Sincere Repentance – Josiah tore his clothes when he heard God’s Word. His humility turned away God's wrath from his generation.

• He Works Through the Young and the Old – Josiah was only 8 years old when he began to reign. Age doesn’t limit God’s ability to use someone for revival.

3. What Is His Character?

• Merciful Yet Just – Even when judgment is deserved, God listens to the repentant heart. But when pride remains, consequences follow.

• Covenant-Keeping – Despite the rebellion of many kings, God never abandoned His covenant with David’s line.

• Righteous and Holy – God’s standards don’t change. Even kings must bow to His Word.

Golden Nugget

God can redeem a broken past when pride is laid down and His Word is lifted up. Humility is the doorway to revival—personally and nationally.

Prayer

Father, I humble myself before You. Where pride has hidden in my heart, expose it and cleanse me. May I respond like Josiah—with reverence for Your Word and a desire to walk in Your ways. Revive me, and through me, awaken others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

• Do a heart check today: Where has pride crept into your life—your success, your ministry, your thoughts?

• Return to the Word. Set aside time to read a chapter aloud today, letting the weight of God’s truth renew your spirit.

• Like Josiah, make a covenant with God today—commit to walk in His ways regardless of the cost.

Next Reading:

Day 41 – 2 Chronicles 36; Ezra 1–9

Enter the post-exile era, where God stirs the hearts of kings and people to rebuild the temple and re-establish worship in a broken land.